In an effort to help reduce the pet overpopulation problem in Southeast Florida, six animal shelters have joined forces to provide spay and neuter surgeries for all owned, feral and free roaming cats. The weeklong event is taking place from February 21st through February 25, 2012. The service is available to all residents of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Surgeries can be scheduled at any one of six convenient locations. There is no limit to the number of cats that any individual can present for sterilization.

The cost is the same at all six locations; $15.00 per cat, which includes the sterilization surgery, rabies and FVRCP vaccines and a microchip. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the desired location.

"The goal is to sterilize 1650 cats over the course of the five day event. This is a critical step to reducing the number of cats and kittens received in shelters throughout the spring. While kittens are cute, the sad truth is that there are often more kittens than there are homes for them," said Alex Muñoz, Director, Miami-Dade County Animal Services.

Southeast Florida Region Spay/Neuter Coalition Members:

Broward County Animal Care and Adoption 954-359-1313 ext. 9271

Humane Society of Broward County 954-895-3605

Humane Society of Greater Miami 305-696-0800

Miami-Dade Animal Services 311

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control 561-233-1261

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League 561-686-3663

Each year the Department receives more than 36,000 pets. The goal of Animal Services is to reunite lost pets with their families or find lifelong homes for as many animals as possible. Related links: Animal Services or call 311.